What should you know about inactivated polio?

Poliovirus can infect the nervous system and may cause weakness or paralysis. Inactivated polio vaccine, also called IPV, presents non-living virus material to the immune system. It cannot cause polio and is given by injection. Protection depends on receiving the doses advised for your age, previous vaccinations, travel plans, and health circumstances.

Check your or your child’s immunisation record with a healthcare professional. Share any previous dose, serious allergic reaction, acute illness, immune condition, or planned travel to an area where polio remains a concern. Follow the recommended childhood schedule or catch-up plan. Mild arm soreness or a short-lived fever can be managed with advice from the care team.

Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, collapse, or rapidly spreading hives after the injection. Seek medical advice for severe weakness, persistent fever, or symptoms that are worsening. New limb weakness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems need urgent assessment regardless of vaccination history.

Ask whether the record shows all recommended doses, whether a catch-up dose is needed, how travel affects timing, and which symptoms after vaccination require urgent attention.